Trea Turner Shares Honest Thoughts On Prolonged Slump to Begin Season With Phillies
The offensive of the Philadelphia Phillies is in a funk. A Big Offensive Struggle if you will- a BOS. Signing shortstop Treat Turner back in December to the massive 11-year, $300 million contract was part of boosting the lineup and infield by extension.
2023 is not off to the ideal start for the 29-year-old.
In 46 games this season, Turner is slashing .256/.303/.390 with four home runs and 11 runs batter in, and an on-base plus slugging percentage of .693. That's the lowest OPS for him through 46 games in his career.
The former National League batting champion also has 56 strikeouts in 208 plate appearances- handing him a 26.9-percent strikeout rate. Way higher than his career rate of 18.5 percent.
He got his first hit with a runner in scoring position in Monday's 6-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. That was the first time since April 19 that Turner has done so, snapping his 0-22 streak.
Speaking to reporters after Monday's loss, Turner admitted that this season wasn't exactly going as planned. "I’m honest with myself, I’ve sucked."
The slump was why manager Rob Thompson took him out of the lineup on Saturday. The logic behind that was giving him a breather might help him refocus. Sunday came around and he had a 10-pitch at-bat in the first inning where he struck out swinging before hitting a double in the seventh.
The writing is clear that it hasn't been smooth sailing for Turner this year- really for anyone batting leadoff or second for the Phillies. For the shortstop, he at least recognizes where he is falling short.
Turner's pitch recognition is part of his struggles at the moment as is his decision making. Both factors are inconsistent with his plate appearances. He's chasing pitches, 37 percent to be exact out of the zone. Another highest of his career statistic.
But when Turner's on, he's on. He is a game-changing player on both sides of the ball with an elite power/speed combination. Those skills aren't just lost overnight for an All-Star caliber player.
It's a positive sign that Turner is open about the struggles he's having at the plate. Yet everyone who supports Philadelphia is still waiting to see the dynamic version of him. The version that earned his hefty decade-plus contract.
Turner has heard the boos from fans when he strikes out. He's living the phrase "know thyself" and is making adjustments at the plate and in the cage.
It just needs to translate to success sooner rather than later for the struggling Phils.
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